No Reciprocation Necessary

Welcome to my essay corner, a collection of personal reflections and stories I can’t shake. These aren’t hot takes or diary entries, but curated thoughts about caregiving, queerness, family, grief and the odd beauty of being human. New posts land every other Tuesday (or close enough).

Read, relate, roll your eyes, but remember, no need to respond. -- No reciprocation necessary.

Entries are also shared on Substack

soap operas

The drama, the glamour, the legacy. A love letter to the genre that raised me—and still shows up in my storytelling DNA.

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 6

Wardrobe easter eggs, the Fight Club twist, and saying goodbye to Jackie Zeman. A look at Misguided: Episode 22 — "The Legacy"

soap operas

Sep 16

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 5

Terrell Tilford pen-pal magic, an indestructible camcorder, and a candlestick homage to Nadine Cooper. A look at Misguided: Episode 21 — "The Accident"

soap operas

Sep 14

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 4

Kim Zimmer's "commercial sex," Poshmark handcuff mishaps, and closing the door on Paul and Kyle. A look at Misguided: Episode 20 — "The Reunion"

soap operas

Sep 7

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 3

Undisclosed locations, Y&R wardrobe steals, and a dark twist in Paul's bedroom. A look at Misguided: Episode 19 — "The Crush"

soap operas

Aug 31

"Backlight" - The Final Year, Part 2

High school timelines, rewriting the past, and getting a drink thrown in my face by soap royalty. A look at Misguided: Episode 18 — "The Chemistry"

soap operas

Aug 24

"Backlight" - The Final Year, Part 1

Sitting in awe as the final season begins, and turning heartbreak into art. A look at Misguided: Episode 17 - "The Comeback"

soap operas

Aug 17

Nervous Energy

Creating art for yourself, and letting others discover it on their own terms.

creative process

Aug 13

"Backlight" - The Pivot Year

All joking aside, it was time for drama, romance, and raising the stakes -- Looking back on Season 3 of Misguided

soap operas

Aug 10

"Backlight" - The Dream Year

Party crashing, casting panic, and being too funny for Daytime, a look back at Season 2 of Misguided.

soap operas

Aug 3

"Backlight" - The First Year

Friends, Favors, and a Fanboy's Journey Chasing a Dream... Looking back at Misguided's First Season

soap operas

Jul 27

Introducing, "Backlight"

Shining a little extra light on the final season of "Misguided," and the road that brought us here.

writing

Jul 24

Leaning Into Legacy

How I brought my love of soap operas to the IMLBB competition

leather

Jun 22

A Bold, New Side Quest

I’m heading back to 1987, and relearning the joy of the story.

soap operas

Jun 15

Personal Inventory

As one chapter closes and others quietly take shape, I pause to take inventory. This reflection explores finishing long-term work, the unease that follows completion, and the choice to stay present without rushing toward whatever comes next.

creative process

Jan 7

Not The Whole Story

Trying to pass my life off as “same old, same old” doesn’t hold up anymore. Somewhere between school pickup and stirring mac and cheese, I realized I’ve built a life that’s fuller, louder, and more mine than I’ve let myself admit.

creative process

Nov 15, 2025

Behind the Harness & Sash - Masks & Meaning

Stepping into my title year means overcoming old shyness and showing up authentically. From honoring my soap-opera roots and designing my official title pin, to embracing every side of myself in a new photo shoot.

leather

Sep 29, 2025

Still from Misguided Season 3 with Paul and Jackie Zeman during "the Wedding" episode

The Goodbye I Didn't Write

As production begins on the final season of Misguided, I reflect on grief, legacy, and the unexpected goodbye I never wanted to write. This piece honors Jackie Zeman, her impact on the series, and the love we carry forward in her absence.

grief

Jul 13, 2025

Paul Gosselin

Actor | Writer | Producer

No Reciprocation Necessary

soap operas

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 6

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 5

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 4

“Backlight” - The Final Year, Part 3

"Backlight" - The Final Year, Part 2

"Backlight" - The Final Year, Part 1

Nervous Energy

"Backlight" - The Pivot Year

"Backlight" - The Dream Year

"Backlight" - The First Year

Introducing, "Backlight"

Leaning Into Legacy

A Bold, New Side Quest

Personal Inventory

Not The Whole Story

Behind the Harness & Sash - Masks & Meaning

The Goodbye I Didn't Write